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How pollution is changing the ocean's chemistry

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Triona McGrath |

TEDxFulbrightDublin

• February 2016

As we keep pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, more of it is dissolving in the oceans, leading to drastic changes in the water's chemistry. Triona McGrath researches this process, known as ocean acidification, and in this talk she takes us for a dive into an oceanographer's world. Learn more about how the "evil twin of climate change" is impacting the ocean -- and the life that depends on it.

As we keep pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, more of it is dissolving in the oceans, leading to drastic changes in the water's chemistry. Triona McGrath researches this process, known as ocean acidification, and in this talk she takes us for a dive into an oceanographer's world. Learn more about how the "evil twin of climate change" is impacting the ocean -- and the life that depends on it.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxFulbrightDublin, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Triona McGrath

Chemical oceanographer

See speaker profile

Triona McGrath researches how the oceans are changing due to human activities.

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The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory

The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory has a list of important links with extra information on ocean acidification here, with a more detailed description of ocean acidification and associated research. Scientific knowledge about the oceans is constantly growing and improving so it is best to look at recent research that has incorporated the latest findings on the topic.

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20 facts about ocean acidification

Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry Project has a nice document about the 20 facts about ocean acidification that are clear and concise, but with more detailed information than I was able to go into in the TED talk. It also has links to some nice videos and teaching materials for educators.

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"Oceans in a High-CO2 World"

Every 4 years, scientists carrying out research in all aspects of ocean acidification get together to share their findings in a symposium called "Oceans in a High-CO2 World." The policy report generated after the 2012 symposium is here

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Relevant publications

McGrath, T., E. McGovern, R. Cave, and C. Kivimäe. 2016. The Inorganic Carbon Chemistry in Coastal and Shelf Waters Around Ireland. Estuaries and Coasts 29: 27-39.

McGrath, T., C. Kivimäe, E. McGovern, R.R. Cave, and E. Joyce1. 2013. Winter measurements of oceanic biogeochemical parameters in the Rockall Trough (2009–2012). Earth Science Systems Data 5: 375-383.

McGrath, T., McGovern, E., Nolan, G. and Dwyer, N., (2012). Chapter 3.9: Nutrients. In: N. Dwyer (Editor), The Status of Ireland's Climate, 2012. Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

McGrath, T., McGovern, E., Nolan, G. and Dwyer, N., (2012). Chapter 3.3: Ocean Acidification and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations. In: N. Dwyer (Editor), The Status of Ireland's Climate, 2012. Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.

McGrath, T., Kivimae, C., Tanhua, T., Cave, R. and McGovern, E. (2012). Inorganic carbon and pH levels in the Rockall Trough 1991-2010. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 68, 79-91

McGrath, T., Nolan, G. and McGovern, E., (2012). Chemical characteristics of water masses in the Rockall Trough. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers 61, 57-73.

McGrath, T., Kivimae, C, Cave, R.R. and McGovern, E. (2012). Carbon Dioxide, Hydrographic, and Chemical Data Obtained During the R/V Celtic Explorer Standard Oceanographic Section Cruises in Rockall Trough area. Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, doi:10.3334/CDIAC/OTG.ROCKALLTROUGH2012.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxFulbrightDublin, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.